In a remarkable display of analytical prowess, two postgraduate students from Oklahoma State University's finance program achieved significant success at the 2025 Rotman Portfolio Management Competition. Held in Toronto, Canada, this event brought together 123 teams to test their predictive models for asset price movements and risk management. The competition consisted of two phases: one where participants devised strategies by analyzing historical equity data, and another where they applied these insights to manage a simulated $1 million portfolio over a month. OSU's MSQF program also shone at the Rotman International Trading Competition, further cementing its reputation as a leading institution in quantitative finance education.
A Journey Through Data-Driven Finance
On a vibrant spring day, amidst the global financial community's keen eyes, Anahita Badkoubeh Hezaveh and Zannatus Saba, representing Oklahoma State University, embarked on an intellectual odyssey at the Rotman Portfolio Management Competition hosted by the BMO Financial Group in Toronto, Canada. This prestigious event gathered 123 teams from across the globe, each vying to craft the most accurate predictive model for asset pricing fluctuations and risk assessment. In the initial phase, competitors meticulously dissected historical equity data to construct robust investment methodologies. Transitioning into the second phase, participants were entrusted with managing a hypothetical $1 million portfolio for approximately a month, striving to achieve optimal risk-adjusted returns. Badkoubeh Hezaveh, pursuing her master’s degree in qualitative finance, and Saba, an alumna now advancing her doctorate, expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Betty Simkins, Dr. Allissa Lee, and Dr. Joe Wayne Byers for fostering an invigorating academic milieu that propelled their achievements. Their journey not only honed their skills but redefined their perspectives on the evolving landscape of finance. Meanwhile, OSU’s broader MSQF cohort showcased its capabilities at the Rotman International Trading Competition, securing a commendable 17th position among 34 international contenders.
Under the guidance of Dr. Allissa Lee, OSU’s MSQF program transcends traditional boundaries, nurturing graduates who are not merely quantitatively adept but holistic financial managers. Recognized as the 34th best Master’s of Financial Engineering Programs by TFE Times, the program underscores the indispensable role of advanced mathematics in modern finance.
As a journalist observing these achievements, it becomes evident that Oklahoma State University is cultivating leaders who can navigate the complexities of today's financial markets with precision and insight. The experiences gained through such rigorous competitions not only affirm the value of theoretical knowledge but underscore the importance of practical application under pressure. These successes inspire future generations to embrace challenges boldly, knowing that with the right support systems and determination, they too can redefine the horizons of their chosen fields.